Authors
Sneha Sukumar, Samarth Shukla, Sourya Acharya, Shailly Tiwari, Ashlesha Awale
Published in
The Nigerian postgraduate medical journal. Volume 33. Issue 6. Pages 841-844. Nov 01, 2026. Epub Nov 02, 2026.
Abstract
Metaplastic carcinoma of the breast (MCB) is a rare and aggressive subtype, accounting for fewer than 1% of breast cancers. It is defined by biphasic histology with epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation, poor response to conventional therapies and a tendency for early recurrence. We report a 49-year-old woman with a chronic right breast lump that rapidly enlarged over 3 months, accompanied by systemic symptoms including weight loss and fever. Clinical examination revealed a large, firm mass with ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. She underwent a right modified radical mastectomy with axillary dissection. Histopathology confirmed metaplastic carcinoma (Bloom-Richardson Grade III) with distinct epithelial and sarcomatoid components. Surgical margins were uninvolved, and all 17 axillary lymph nodes showed reactive changes. Despite complete excision and adjuvant chemotherapy, the patient developed local recurrence within 3 months, underscoring the aggressive clinical course of MCB. This case highlights the rarity, diagnostic challenges and therapeutic dilemmas in managing MCB, emphasising its poor response to conventional therapy and the urgent need for innovative, targeted strategies to improve survival in this uncommon malignancy.
PMID:
42975235
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 03 Nov 2026.
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